Tips for Keeping Safe when Running Alone

Following recent tragic news stories, there is a spotlight currently being shone on women’s safety in the streets and the precautions women often need to take in order to feel safe when out on their own. Unfortunately, there are many recollections of women experiencing cat-calls, heckling and lewd advances when out running, so knowing which precautions to take is essential for girls and women, especially when running alone.

Time and Place
Running by yourself can be a therapeutic form of exercise to help clear your mind and relieve stress. However, when running alone it is always a good idea to pre-plan your route so you know exactly where you are going to be and how long it will take. Choose routes that avoid isolated areas and unfamiliar paths in favour of well-lit, busy areas and streets. If you are a regular runner, it is also advisable to vary your routes to limit the likelihood of being recognised and potentially victimised.

Headphones
Running with music can make time pass quicker. However, it is always safest to run without headphones. If you do plan to use earphones, it is always best practice to keep music at a low volume and keep one ear free so you can listen to your surroundings and be aware of people and animals around you.

Tracking
Always inform a friend or family member of where you plan to run and approximately how long you will be. If you are running with a phone or tracking device, ensure you enable location sharing so people can keep track of your location in the event of an emergency.

Clothing
Bright or reflective clothing is a must when out running and you should choose colours like yellow, white and neon colours. Luckily, some activewear is now designed with built-in reflective elements to increase visibility, but it doesn’t harm to add more. Try investing in some reflective bands and accessories to keep on your person while running, even in the daytime.

While it’s possible to increase your safety with all these precautions, it is still essential to stay aware and trust your instinct when out running alone. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, always take action to protect yourself – either by crossing the road, turning around, attracting the attention of passers-by or calling for help.

Ultimately, running should be an enjoyable activity and if you ever feel anxious or nervous about running alone, consider finding a running buddy or group.